Exploring Pastels

Overview

This is the first 30-minute lesson in a four-part unit titled Creative Name Portraits for Year 2 and 3 students in New Zealand. The focus is on introducing students to pastels and encouraging creative expression through repetitive writing of their names using various vibrant pastel colours. This lesson aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh and incorporates values and key competencies, with explicit consideration for ESOL learners and students working below expected achievement levels.

Curriculum Alignment

Learning Area: The Arts (Visual Arts)

Strand: Developing practical knowledge in the arts
Achievement Objective (Years 1-3):
Students will explore and develop ideas using the elements of colour, texture, and shape to express personal meaning. They will use different media and tools in creative ways.

Key Competencies

Managing Self: maintain focus and try new techniques independently
Relating to Others: share materials respectfully; work cooperatively
Thinking: experiment with colours and letter shapes creatively
Using Language, Symbols, and Texts: recognise and write their own names using visual symbol systems

Values

Respect: for peers’ work and materials
Integrity: take care to form letters properly and use materials responsibly
Self-confidence: express identity through name writing creatively
Empathy: appreciate others’ efforts and differences in expression

Learning Intentions and Success Criteria (WALT)

WALT:

We are learning to

Explore and use pastels to create colourful name portraits.
Practice letter formation through repeated name writing.
Use colour and creativity to express ourselves visually.

Success Criteria:

I can hold and use pastels safely and confidently.
I can write my name clearly and try different colours.
I can enjoy creating art and show respect for my and others’ work.
I can listen to instructions and share materials kindly.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will:

Demonstrate exploration of pastel colours and textures.
Practice writing their names with focus on letter formation.
Show creativity in using colour and pattern.
Build fine motor skills through repeated writing.
Communicate identity through visual art.

Resources

Soft pastels in various vibrant colours (non-toxic).
Plain A4 white paper sheets.
Smocks or aprons for protection.
Name cards for students (if needed).
Wipes or cloths for cleaning hands.
Display board to showcase work.

Lesson Breakdown (30 minutes)

Time	Activity	Purpose and Notes
0-5 mins	Welcome & Introduction	Introduce pastels briefly with a quick look and feel demo. Explain what the lesson is about using simple, clear language for ESOL learners. Emphasise use of colours and fun in writing their own names. Use visual cues and name cards.
5-15 mins	Guided Pastel Exploration	Students experiment with pastels on scrap paper, blending colours and seeing vibrancy. Show examples of colour variety and letter shapes. Scaffold letter formation, especially for those needing support (including ESOL and literacy-challenged learners). Use whispered or visual prompts for dyslexic-friendly approach.
15-25 mins	Creative Name Writing Activity	Each student writes their name repeatedly on their sheet, using different pastel colours for each attempt. Encourage creativity in colour choices and letter styling. Circulate to support fine motor skill development and encourage persistence. Allow some students to use name cards for reference and provide extra help to ESOL learners.
25-30 mins	Sharing & Clean-up	Select a few students to share their favourite pastel colour or name writing style with the group. Reinforce respectful listening and empathy. Support tidy up and hand cleaning, maintaining classroom values.

Differentiation Strategies

Learner Need	Strategy
ESOL Learners (including limited English)	Use simple, clear instructions supported with gestures, visual cues, example name cards. Pair with buddy when possible. Provide one-on-one support during practice.
Students working below expectation	Offer audible letter formation prompts. Model shapes clearly. Provide additional tracing sheets of names. Extra teacher or aide support during writing.
Dyslexic-friendly	Present letter formation visually, in large clear fonts with consistent direction arrows for writing. Minimise clutter on sheets. Provide templates or highlighted writing lines if helpful.
Advanced Learners	Challenge to create patterns or shapes within letters, try blending colours on pastels for special effects. Encourage introducing backgrounds or name decorations if time permits.

Assessment and Feedback

Observation: Teacher notes student ability to hold pastels correctly, repeat name writing, and use different colours.
Anecdotal: Listen for student enjoyment and engagement; note persistence and creativity.
Peer Sharing: Participation in sharing time to assess communication and listening skills.
Feedback: Give positive constructive comments using specific praise (e.g. “I really like how you chose different colours for each letter!”). Provide gentle corrective feedback on letter shapes as appropriate.

Extension Activity (if time permits)

Invite students to add simple decorations (dots, swirls) to their name portraits using the pastels.
Encourage combining colours by lightly blending two pastel colours on the paper to see new hues.

Reflection & Next Steps

Reflect on students’ engagement and letter formation accuracy with pastels.
Plan next lesson to build on name art, introducing shape and texture elements or mixed media.
Tailor support further for students needing extra literacy or motor skill practice.

This lesson promotes creativity, literacy connection through name writing, and foundational art skills aligned to the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh. It respects diverse learner needs and supports the school’s values of respect, integrity, self-confidence, and empathy, providing a hands-on, enjoyable art experience for young learners.

Teaching Instructions